Hi, my name is NotFitForWork! Told that I'm fit for work but I've been told by my GP that I'm not

NotFitForWork

Hello everyone, pleased to have met you all here if not in person.

NotFitForWork

Hi!, I've just been informed by a decision maker who works for the Health Assessment And Advisory Service, which is part of the DWP. That I'm fit for work but I've been told by my GP that I'm not fit for work. I have mixed anxiety and depression and in April this year I collapsed and fell straight onto my face. And now I'm on the Restart Programme and every time I have an appointment to go and see my advisor I find myself having to travel when I'm not well enough to actually go out due to my ill health. I have to force myself to go to my local Restart Centre and I shouldn't have to do this. I've even showed my Restart advisor my fit note but I feel  as though all they're concerned about is helping back into work but I don't feel well enough to work nor look for work. I was told by someone who works for the Restart Programme: "Oh we don't really go by fit notes?! I feel as though I'm in a catch 22 situation torn as to what I should do now. I don't fancy going down the appeal route as I did that in 2017 and lost. But here I am still suffering just like many others in the same boat as me.
 

poppy123456

The decision maker has nothing to do with the Health Assessment Advisory Service. They work for DWP. 

Unfortunately your fit note isn’t proof you have limited capability for work. 

You can challenge that decision by first requesting the MR, which you can do on your journal. The most likely outcome of that is the decision will remain the same.
When you said you appealed the decision in 2017 and lost, was that at Tribunal stage? 

I’d advise you to get some expert advice from an agency near you and they will be able to tell you whether you qualify for either LCW or LCWRA. For this, start here https://advicelocal.uk/

NotFitForWork

Yes, I lost my appeal at Tribunal stage although I wasn't present in person as I'd never done this sort of thing before. Now I'm back here again just like 2017. Don't know what to do, not sure if I should put in for a mandatory reconsideration as I know the decision will just be the same. The appeal takes time to. However, I still don't feel well enough to work never mind look for work. Having to go down to see my Restart Advisor isn't nice at all as I have to force myself to go when they know I'm not well.

NotFitForWork

Going to make an appointment with Cheetham Hill Advice Centre. Thanks for the link.

poppy123456

Not appearing in person at your Tribunal hearing didn’t help at all. The success rate for paper hearings are extremely low. It’s always better to appear in person or have a telephone hearing. This way, you can explain to the panel how your conditions affect you and they will be able to hearing in your own words. 

As you were found fit for work they will no longer accept any fit notes. 

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @NotFitForWork

Let us know how you get on with your appointment! How are you feeling about it?